Quote#Poetry
So, naturalists observe, a flea
Quote byJonathan Swift · 1667–1745
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: On Poetry: Poetry, a Rhapsody (1733).
English (original)
So, naturalists observe, a flea Hath smaller fleas that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bit 'em; And so proceed ad infinitum. Thus every poet, in his kind, Is bit by him that comes behind.
— Jonathan Swift
More from Jonathan Swift
Instead of dirt and poison we have rather chosen to fill our hives with honey and wax; thus furnishing mankind with the two noblest of things, which are sweetness and light.
Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own.
He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.
I mean you lie—under a mistake.
Lord M. What religion is he of? Lord Sp. Why, he is an Anythingarian.
There are few, very few, that will own themselves in a mistake, though all the World sees them to be in downright nonsense.